Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), will question Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner about $2 billion in new energy production taxes that will impact all Americans through higher energy costs Tuesday.

“As the American economy struggles, it’s irresponsible to dramatically raise taxes on every American who uses gas or heating oil or other energy,” Boustany said.  “I look forward to hearing from Sec. Geithner how this massive tax increase won’t force good-paying jobs in Louisiana to go overseas.”

Boustany, a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, will hear testimony from Geithner during the committee’s examination of the President’s budget.  As proposed, the President’s $3.6 trillion budget would increase taxes on American energy producers by $2 billion.  The EPA estimated the proposed budget would translate into an extra $1.27 per gallon paid by U.S. energy consumers.  Last summer, gas prices topped $4 per gallon.

Boustany continues to advocate a comprehensive energy plan to create American jobs and decrease our dependence on foreign sources of fuel as the country transitions to new types of fuel sources over the coming years.
 
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